CMEL Checkride Requirements

This is a self-graded test, we do not have instructors you can book or grade your flight. If you need help you can ask in our Discord.

To watch a video going over the checkride check out this video by Kris: www.youtube.com/channel/UC8NSQFLUyMbeYTqSw4oWdug

Departure airport: Astoria Regional (KAST)
Route: Requires a SID and low-level airway
Simulated cross-country destination: Portland International (KPDX)

Astoria (KAST) Taxi Diagram
Figure 1. Astoria (KAST) Taxi Diagram

Approaches: ILS 26, entry via North/South DME Arc
Weather: Real-world weather for flight planning. Departure, return to field and patterns are to be flown in VMC. OEI flight and ILS approach needs ceiling of 400 MSL and 3SM visibility

Failure at speed

The student needs to be able to fail the engine at a pre-defined speed (available in X-Plane and some add-on aircraft).
In the case where engine failure at pre-defined speed is not feasible, the CFI can issue a waiver and the student will need to manually fail an engine when instructed to do so.

Pilot Rating Aircraft Requirements

Aircraft allowed to be used for this pilot rating must be:

  • Fixed wing
  • Retractable gear, and Controllable pitch propellers
  • Multi Engine
  • Piston driven
  • Max Gross weight less than 5670kg (12,500lbs)

 

There are three possible outcomes of each listed task: (1) Pass (satisfactory), (2) Fail (unsatisfactory), or (3) Discontinuance.

One or more failed (or incomplete) tasks automatically result in a failed (or discontinued) checkride.  A retake should focus on the tasks that were marked as failed or incomplete during the original test however the evaluator has the discretion to re-evaluate any tasks.

Briefing

  • Aircraft limitations
    • Vmc - Red Line
    • Vy
    • Vyse - Blue Line
    • Vx
    • Vxse
    • Stall speed, clean or with flaps
  • Loading and center of gravity
  • Takeoff and Landing distance calculations
  • Weather including winds aloft, icing conditions, go/no-go decision
  • Alternate airport in case of bad weather
  • Cross-country route - IFR
    • ATC interaction (who is on-line, when to contact them)
    • Route selection incl. SID and STAR
    • Airways
    • Weather briefing
    • Fuel calculations
    • Nav aids
  • File flight plan including equipment

Emergency Procedures

  • Icing
  • Loss of equipment

General en-route

  • ATC communications (real or simulated)
  • Use of voice UNICOM
  • Loss of communications
  • Proper ATC Freq tuning
  • Proper phraseology

Pre-flight

  • Full use of checklists
  • External checks
  • Start from cold-dark
  • Radio tuning
  • Pitot heat
  • Appropriate use of mixture
  • Proper run-up procedures

Taxi

  • Understanding ATC instructions
  • Steering on the taxiways
  • Instrument check (heading, turns, compass)
  • Lights
  • Wind corrections - actual or simulated
  • Runway incursion avoidance

Take-off

  • Make radio calls
  • Verify runway, wind
  • Rotate and climb-out at Vyse +10/-5 knots
  • Follow departure procedure

Pattern Entry at Uncontrolled Airport

  • Cancel IFR
  • Determine standard traffic pattern (left or right)
  • Standard entries
    • Cross from upwind at +500 feet with 225 degree turn
    • Cross from upwind at pattern altitude with 90 degree turn onto downwind

Normal Approach and Landing

  • Runway selection and confirmation
  • Touchdown attitude and location
  • Crosswind correction - actual or simulated

Go-around/Rejected Landing

  • Go-around/Rejected landing considerations and execution
  • Risks with low-altitude maneuvering

Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc

  • Examiner (or sim) fails one engine during takeoff roll
  • Accurately identify engine failure and stop on runway

Engine Failure After Liftoff

  • Examiner (or sim) fails one engine after takeoff
  • Promptly recognize engine failure
  • Identify, verify, feather and secure engine
  • Maintain Vyse in climb
  • After takeoff, fly heading 45° or 135° to join the DME arc for ILS runway 26
  • Maintain heading ±20° and airspeed ±10 knots.

Flight by Reference to Instruments

  • Must be hand flown
  • One engine remains failed
  • Weather must be set to Ceiling 400 MSL, 3SM Visibility
  • Use of land-based or airborne nav system
  • Determine position
  • Intercept or track given course
  • Maintain assigned heading and altitude
  • Once at altitude and on the DME arc autopilot is allowed

Precision approach

  • Must be hand flown after the FAF (4000 feet on the GS when on the ILS rwy 26 approach)
  • One engine remains failed
  • Weather must be set to Ceiling 400 MSL, 3SM Visibility
  • Brief approach incl. missed approach procedures
  • Select, tune and identify ILS freq.
  • Maintain stabilized approach
  • Transition to landing after verifying runway at or before reaching DH

Postflight Procedures

  • Taxi to parking
  • Securing aircraft back to dark & cold

This P3 Checkride review is courtesy of Kris B (dixielandfarm). 

Tomas Hansson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Chief Flight Instructor, VATSTAR
DISCLAIMER: all information contained herein is for flight simulation purposes only.
August 2020

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